Catherine, I have taken two small courses from the same instructor and at the end of the second course she told me I should probably do each painting three times. Although I didn't want to hear that when you put the time into the first attempt the advice was good for me because of all the different aspects of a painting, perspective, colour, tone, warm/cool, drawing etc. The list is long and It is hard to get all these right in one try (even for professionals). Good for you in taking a new look at this one.

MARSHA, your photo selection for December was wonderful - it challenged us in so many ways, a real learning experience. I'm hoping to try at least one or two more between Christmas and the New Year.

SAM, no one puts color down as beautifully as you do. Your Santa's skin and beard are just amazing. I sent a friend to your blog telling her your work is "luminous," and that same quality is evident with the Santa.

CATHERINE, your portrayal of the monochromatic bridge is lovely; my favorite part is the reflections. I'm impressed and envious at all the work you're turning out and the leaps you're making.

oh Sandi This will be darling. Ellipses, hands and candles, how exciting. this will be a fund painting for you to do. If I might make a suggestion before you start. watch the cake on the right it looks a bit like it is off the plate on the back side of the cake. I will look forward to the finished piece. I hope you have a wonderful time with your company. just check in with us now and then... as you already know we can still finish after the new year as well. I still have an October one I want to finish. the one where my ink smeared.

Jen: I miss you, I'm here as well. I hope you are busy and having a wonderful holiday season.

I am working on a piece but taking my time on it as I was really busy with my music stuff.

MARSHA

It would be nice if we messed up we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over

Catherine, I want to echo your comments on learning from this group. My only previous art instruction came from the three 5-session art classes I took at the county art museum when I lived in L.A. for 18 years - and those classes were the only times I drew. The amount I've learned from this forum (and especially Sam) comprises my art education and has made a tremendous difference. I'm so grateful for it.

Sandi, your tea party drawing is charming and I look forward to seeing it colored. One thought - before you color it in, would it be possible to have a couple of the items overlapping each other? It is so well drawn but that would pull it together instead of it having the appearance if all separate items.

Thank you Alex. I'm glad you like the pictures. My goal was to really add some challenges. Hands, candle light, glass reflections, water reflections, perspective, and the dreaded ellipsis. I have really enjoyed the responses, it was way more than I expected. I hope you will let us take a peek at the portrait when you finish. I'm sure your granddaughter will love it.

MARSHA

It would be nice if we messed up we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over

Sandi, my first thought was the same as Alex's that the objects are too spread out and could be closer to each other with some overlapping. This will be a fantastic paintings. You did a really good job with those ellipses and the teapot. Enjoy your company and don't stay away too long. Post some of your miniatures for our viewing pleasure.

Alex, thank you for your kind words about my work. Oil pastels are very vibrant. I love the effect. Your comment reminded me to put Santa on my blog. I am glad that you feel you have gleaned some understanding about art from me. That makes my day.

Marsha, what a wonderful landscape! With all the nods to this month's photos in it - the snowy owl, ermine, cardinal, bristle pine, squirrel - it's like an Advent calendar with tiny presents! You used several clever devices to make things pop, including placing the snowy owl and ermine on touches of color. Two other things you've done are SUGGEST detail instead of trying to draw every detail and make things that are farther away out of focus. Lovely!

Marsha, what a lovely Christmas in the desert painting. The tree is decorated with wildlife and the owl and ermine are hiding in the snow. I found myself searching, fearing that I may have missed something. Very clever, cute and well done.